Florida, LSU both have something to prove

No one needs to remind Florida what happened the last two years. No one needs to remind Louisiana State what happened the past two weeks.

Those vivid and somewhat painful memories give the 10th-ranked Gators and fourth-ranked Tigers something to prove when they meet in The Swamp today.

Florida would like nothing more than to avenge consecutive losses to LSU, including a humbling, 41-11 beatdown in Baton Rouge last season. The Tigers, meanwhile, have been far from perfect in their past two games – closer-than-expected wins against Auburn and lower division Towson.

How the Gators (4-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) and Tigers (5-0, 1-0) respond probably will determine who remains undefeated and who is left scrambling in its division race.

Although Florida already has three conference wins, including two on the road, there are still plenty of questions surrounding coach Will Muschamp’s team.

LSU doesn’t believe it can play any worse than they did against Auburn and Towson. The Tigers fumbled seven times in those games and lost five. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger lost all three of his fumbles, including one near the goal line against Auburn that cost his team a touchdown. Nonetheless, LSU pulled out both games.

WAKE FOREST: Has suspended six players, including four starters and the team’s second-leading rusher, for its game Saturday at Maryland over a violation of team rules.

Coach Jim Grobe says cornerback Merrill Noel, safety Daniel Mack, linebacker Mike Olson, guard Frank Souza, running back Deandre Martin and receiver Airyn Willis will be eligible to be reinstated for the team’s next game at Virginia on Oct. 20.